Eleven shots fired at Brown Mogotsi’s vehicle, no blood on the scene – SAPS
The small Chevrolet sedan that businessman Brown Mogotsi was allegedly travelling in when it came under fire in Vosloorus.
Image: Screengrab/ SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its investigation into the attempted murder of controversial businessman and political fixer Brown Mogotsi, who narrowly escaped an apparent hit in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, on Monday night.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said detectives have so far established that around 11 bullets pierced the small Chevrolet sedan in which Mogotsi was travelling, at around 10 pm.
“Our investigating team is estimating around 11 rounds fired at the vehicle. Our investigators are still at the scene, combing the scene, just to ensure that we leave nothing to chance, to collect all physical evidence,” Mathe said, speaking to journalists at Vosloorus Police Station in Ekurhuleni.
“Looking at the car, we don’t see any blood, we don’t see anything that suggests that Mr Mogotsi was injured in the process.
“Police officers who attended the crime scene yesterday have also confirmed that he was unscathed. He did not have any bullet wounds.”
Background and ongoing investigation
The shooting allegedly took place in Vosloorus Extension 25, when Mogotsi’s vehicle came under fire from occupants of a white bakkie. Police have seized the Chevrolet for forensic analysis, and ballistic experts are working to determine the calibre of the firearms used and whether they may be linked to other crimes in the area.
Mogotsi, a businessman from the North West province, has been named in testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for his alleged links to senior policing and political figures. In October, police raided his business premises in Seweding village near Mahikeng as part of a corruption and political interference probe.
The small Chevrolet sedan that businessman Brown Mogotsi was allegedly travelling in when it came under fire in Vosloorus.
Image: Reaper Tactical / Facebook
Madlanga Commission expresses concern
The attempted hit on Mogotsi happened just hours after he had engaged with the Madlanga Commission, where he is expected to appear as a witness. The Commission, which is investigating political interference, criminality and corruption within South Africa’s law-enforcement system, has expressed concern over his safety.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said on Tuesday that the inquiry was in touch with SAPS and Mogotsi’s legal team.
“Certainly, the Commission is concerned about these developments … we are concerned for the safety of Mr Mogotsi and all other witnesses who are to appear before the Commission,” he said.
The attack on Mogotsi comes amid rising fears about the safety of witnesses appearing before the Commission. Only weeks ago, another witness identified as Khumalo was reportedly poisoned shortly after giving testimony in Pretoria — an incident that prompted the Commission to review its witness protection protocols.
Both incidents have reignited debate about whether witnesses assisting the inquiry into criminality and political interference are being targeted to silence them.
SAPS has assured the public that the investigation into the attempted murder of Mogotsi remains a priority.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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